Welcome to our annual collection of community holiday recipes. Each year, the 91Ô­´´ Advance Times casts a wide net asking for local people to share Christmas recipes that hold some significance to their family or themselves. This year, there's everything from cookies, pancakes, and fruit pizza to scalloped potatoes and cornbread.

We hope you enjoy this year's feature. And while one of the recipes is provided below, the entire section is available for viewing by clicking into our eEditions here.

Happy holiday, one and all.

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Halwa holds deep cultural and spiritual significance during Diwali, the festival of lights, and the Hindu new year that follows. 
It is often prepared as prasad (sacred offering) to deities like Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, symbolizing devotion, gratitude, and the hope for blessings in the coming year. 
Made with rich ingredients such as ghee, milk, sugar, and nuts, halwa reflects abundance and prosperity, aligning with Diwali’s themes of wealth, success, and renewal. 
Its sweetness signifies good fortune and is shared as a gesture of spreading joy and positive beginnings as families prepare to embrace the new year.
Beyond its spiritual meaning, halwa is a cherished tradition that brings families together during the festivities.
The act of preparing and sharing this dish strengthens familial bonds and serves as a reminder of cultural heritage passed down through generations. 
As a staple of the celebratory spread, halwa embodies the warmth, togetherness, and joy that mark both Diwali and the fresh start of the Hindu new year.  
– Areesha Lal is an adult, bereavement support worker for 91Ô­´´ Hospice Society

Halwa

Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 4 cloves
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots (optional)
• ½ cup semolina (sooji)
• 1½ cups milk (lukewarm)
• ¼ cup sugar
• A handful of mixed nuts and raisins (optional)

Directions:
• Prepare the ghee and cloves…
• Heat ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat
• Once hot, add the cloves and saute until fragrant
• Cook the carrots (optional – if using carrots, stir them in and cook for about 3 minutes).
• Toast the semolina
• Add the semolina to the pan and stir continuously to toast it evenly until it turns a golden brown colour
Prepare the milk mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix luke-warm milk with sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves
• Combine and simmer
• Once the semolina is golden brown, slowly pour in the milk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Allow the mixture to simmer as the semolina absorbs the liquid

Check Texture:
As the mixture thickens and comes together, add 1 tbsp of ghee
• Stir until the halwa achieves a smooth texture, sliding easily off the spoon.
• garnish and serve (optionally, mix in nuts and raisins for added texture and flavour)
• Serve warm and enjoy